Australia: DAFF Notification regarding new CITES listings of 5 shark species
ICON Alert
Date: 15. August 2014
New CITES requirements for the export and import of five shark species
From 14 September 2014, all exporters and importers will be required to apply for, and obtain a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permit from the Department of Environment for any international consignments which contain the following shark species:
Scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini)
Smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena)
Great hammerhead shark (Sphyrna mokarran)
Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus)
Porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus)
What do I need to do?
1. Apply for a CITES permit by completing a permit application form (currently paper-based but will be online in the future). These permits will allow an unlimited number of export or import shipments (in accordance with your quotas) within a six month period.
a. Your permit application will need to include supporting evidence to prove the source of your shark product. This should include a copy of your fishery licence; or for processors or onsellers, an invoice etc. to show which fishery the shark products are from.
b. Applications for export permits and import permits are currently $156. Permits for perishable goods or shark product caught outside Australia’s fishing zone are $313.
c. Permits must be obtained prior to the export or import of product and may take up to 40 business days to be issued.
d. Permits may only be issued for a maximum period of six months.
2. Once the permit has been issued and you receive the original copy, you can begin exporting/importing.
3. When exporting or importing, the shark species must be individually listed on any packaging or accompanying shipping documentation (these species are not allowed to be included under general shark labelling).
Wildlife Trade Regulation Section
Department of the Environment
CITES Management Authority of Australia
Source: the Australian Government